Cost of Living: Mesa, AZ vs Killeen, TX (2026)

Mesa

Arizona
107
VS

Killeen

Texas
75

Mesa is 43% more expensive than Killeen.

$1,478/mo ↑ 29%
Median Rent
$1,147/mo ↓ 22%
$78,779/yr ↑ 35%
Median Income
$58,339/yr ↓ 26%
$364,300 ↑ 86%
Home Value
$196,000 ↓ 46%
$1,404/mo ↑ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,176/mo ↓ 16%
507,478
Population
156,144

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.62%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesa, AZ and Killeen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 107 and 75 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $331/month cheaper in Killeen, saving renters about $3,972/year.

Median household income is $20,440/year higher in Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesa is $364,300 compared to $196,000 in Killeen.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Killeen residents a significant tax advantage over Arizona's 2.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesa vs Killeen — common questions

Is Mesa or Killeen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Killeen is cheaper to live in with an index of 75 compared to 107 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesa and Killeen?
Median rent in Mesa is $1,478/month and in Killeen it's $1,147/month — a difference of $331/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesa or Killeen?
Median household income is $78,779 in Mesa and $58,339 in Killeen. Median household income is $20,440/year higher in Mesa.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Texas?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Mesa or Killeen?
It depends on your priorities. Mesa has a cost index of 107 with median rent of $1,478/mo, while Killeen has a cost index of 75 with rent of $1,147/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Mesa details → View Killeen details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Mesa and Killeen

Mesa vs. Kansas City Mesa vs. Atlanta Mesa vs. Sacramento Mesa vs. Omaha Mesa vs. Tucson Mesa vs. Colorado Springs Killeen vs. Lakewood Killeen vs. Kansas City Killeen vs. Macon Killeen vs. Springfield Killeen vs. Alexandria Killeen vs. Sunnyvale